Our writer has experienced over 50 cruises. Here are her packing tips for a cruise, including the essential items she always brings for every part of the trip.
These days, there’s a cruise option for every kind of traveler, whether you prefer luxury ships that feel like five-star hotels or adventurous expeditions on specialized vessels. Regardless of the type of cruise you’re planning, creating a packing list is essential to maximize your onboard experience.
Having sailed on more than 50 cruises, I’ve picked up some valuable packing tips. Along with the essential cruise wardrobe, my list includes handy items like towel clips and a hand scale. But that’s just the start—here are the 20 must-have items I always bring on a cruise.
What to Pack for a Cruise — A Checklist:
Before discussing what to pack, it’s helpful to know that this checklist is sorted into categories. This approach streamlines your packing process and ensures you don’t overlook any essentials before pulling out your suitcase.
For Traveling to the Cruise
Getting to the terminal can be the trickiest part of your cruise journey. Having a few essentials on hand can make the check-in process smoother and ensure a more enjoyable start to your time on the ship.
Passport with Cover.
Regardless of your cruise destination, bringing proper identification is essential. Most cruisers carry their passports, and a distinctive passport cover—whether colorful or uniquely designed—will make it easier to locate in your bag.
Bluetooth Luggage Trackers
Using Bluetooth luggage trackers, like Apple AirTags, in your luggage and other bags can greatly reduce the stress of embarkation day. These trackers allow you to monitor the location of your belongings in real-time, providing peace of mind in case anything goes missing. With a tracker, you can quickly locate and retrieve your luggage, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise.
Digital Luggage Scale
Most travelers pick up a souvenir or two during their vacations. Bringing a digital luggage scale can help you keep your luggage under airline weight limits for your return flights. The Etekcity scale, in particular, is known for its clear display and accuracy within a few ounces compared to airport scales. This tool helps you avoid overweight baggage fees and provides peace of mind when packing up your belongings.
Travel Pill Organizer
A travel pill organizer is a convenient tool that keeps your medications, vitamins, and supplements neatly organized in a single, lightweight, and packable container. The organizer typically features eight compartments, each designed to open and snap closed securely. This makes it easy to manage your daily doses and ensure you stay on track with your health routine while traveling.
For the Cruise Ship
Whether your cruise lasts three nights or three weeks, these four items will enhance your onboard experience:
- Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, and having a refillable water bottle ensures you have access to water throughout the day.
- Small Backpack or Tote Bag: Use it for day trips, excursions, or carrying essentials around the ship, keeping everything you need close at hand.
- Night Light: A small, portable night light is helpful for navigating your cabin in the dark without disturbing your roommate.
- Highlighter or Sticky Notes: Mark your daily schedule and highlight events you want to attend, or use sticky notes for reminders and keeping track of important information.
These items can help make your time on the cruise ship more convenient, comfortable, and organized.
Corkcicle Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is an essential item for any cruise, whether you have a drink package or plan to enjoy the ship’s complimentary beverages. The Corkcicle bottle is an excellent choice, featuring an insulated design that keeps drinks cold for up to 25 hours, as the company claims. It also boasts a stylish floral design from Rifle Paper Co. and comes with a built-in straw in the lid, which is a more environmentally friendly option. Having this bottle on hand allows you to stay hydrated throughout your cruise while reducing single-use plastic waste.
Wet-Dry Bag
A wet-dry bag is an essential item to bring on a cruise, especially if you plan to swim on your last day aboard. These bags allow you to safely pack wet swimsuits without worrying about soaking the rest of your clothes in your suitcase. The bags are designed to separate wet and dry items, keeping everything else in your luggage clean and dry. With ample space, these bags can hold at least two adult-sized swimsuits, making them a practical addition to your cruise packing list.
Towel Clips
The upper decks of a cruise ship can become quite breezy, which can lead to towels blowing off chairs. To keep your towels in place, consider bringing some towel clips. These clips are lightweight and easy to pack but strong enough to secure standard pool towels in place. Towel clips are also useful during private island excursions, helping you quickly locate your beach chairs among the many similar setups. They’re a simple yet effective solution to keep your spot organized and ensure your belongings don’t get scattered in the wind.
Sun Bum Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential item for any travel destination, and Sun Bum is a favorite choice for many. Its smooth application and lightweight texture make it a pleasure to use, without leaving your skin feeling sticky or heavy. What sets Sun Bum apart is not only its vegan and gluten-free formulation but also its reef-safe ingredients. This means you can enjoy the sun responsibly without harming delicate coral reefs, making it a conscientious choice for eco-conscious travelers.
For Your Cruise Cabin
These four items can help you keep your cruise cabin tidy and organized during your trip:
- Magnetic Hooks: Cruise cabin walls are often magnetic, making magnetic hooks a great way to hang hats, bags, and jackets without taking up drawer or closet space.
- Over-the-Door Organizer: An organizer that hangs on your cabin door can provide additional storage for smaller items like toiletries, sunglasses, and snacks, helping you maximize your space.
- Collapsible Storage Boxes: Collapsible boxes are perfect for storing clothes, accessories, and other belongings. When not in use, they can be folded flat for easy storage.
- Portable Shoe Organizer: A hanging shoe organizer can be used not only for shoes but also for other small items like electronics, chargers, and toiletries, keeping everything in its place and easily accessible.
By having these items on hand, you can create a more organized and comfortable living space in your cruise cabin.
Magnetic Hooks
Since most cabin walls on cruise ships are magnetic, magnetic hooks are a practical and convenient option for organizing your space. Cruise lines generally allow travelers to use magnetic hooks, which come in different weight capacities: 27, 40, and 130 pounds. For most cruise needs, the 27-pound option should be sufficient.
Use these hooks to hang hats, lanyards, and even decorations if you’re celebrating a special occasion during your trip. This small addition can help maximize space in your cabin and keep your belongings neat and within easy reach.
Collapsible Laundry Hamper
In the limited space of a cruise cabin, a collapsible laundry hamper can be a lifesaver for keeping dirty clothes organized. This handy item allows you to keep your worn clothes in one designated spot, making it easy to maintain order in your cabin.
When the hamper is full, you can refold the clothes and place them in your suitcase for transport. Additionally, the collapsible design allows you to fold the hamper flat when not in use, making it easy to pack and store without taking up much space. This practical item helps streamline your packing process and keeps your cabin tidy.
Magnetic Door Decorations
Cruise ship hallways can be lengthy and look very similar, making it easy to lose track of your cabin. An effective way to identify your room is by adding magnetic decorations to your door. These decorations allow you to personalize your cabin entrance and make your room stand out.
Magnetic decorations are easy to apply and just as easy to remove when it’s time to disembark. Simply snap them onto the door at the beginning of your cruise and take them off before you leave. This quick and simple trick can save you time navigating the ship and help you return to your cabin with ease.
Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer
In tight quarters like a cruise cabin, an over-the-door hanging shoe organizer can be a versatile storage solution. While originally designed for shoes, these organizers can hold a variety of items such as toiletries, hairbrushes, first-aid kits, and medicine boxes.
To hang the organizer, you can use magnetic hooks, which are widely available and can easily attach to most cabin doors. This setup provides you with easy access to your belongings and helps keep your cabin organized and clutter-free. An over-the-door shoe organizer is a practical way to maximize your storage space while keeping essential items within reach.
For Travel and Excursions
These items can make a big difference during excursions or on travel days before or after your cruise:
- RFID Wallet. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that can be exploited to steal credit card information remotely. To safeguard your cards during excursions, carry an RFID-blocking wallet. This special wallet helps protect your cards from unauthorized scanning. An RFID-blocking wallet is slim and compact, making it easy to fit into a fanny pack or purse. Despite its small size, it offers space for a handful of cards, keeping them secure and organized. By using this type of wallet, you can enjoy your excursions with peace of mind, knowing your financial information is safe from potential theft.
- Swimsuit Coverup. On many cruises, your day can involve a mix of activities from lounging on the ship to swimming at the beach to shopping in town. A swimsuit coverup is a versatile piece to pack that suits these varied occasions. Lightweight and easy to wear, a coverup offers enough coverage for the beach while also doubling as a casual dress for a meal or outing in port. This all-in-one garment allows you to transition seamlessly from one activity to the next, making it a valuable addition to your cruise wardrobe.
- Crocs Classic Clogs. Crocs Classic Clogs are a popular choice for both kids and adults when heading to the beach or a day resort. These shoes offer a comfortable fit and non-slip soles, making them perfect for navigating wet pool decks and sandy shores. Available in a wide range of colors, Crocs can be customized with charms to suit your style and personality. Their lightweight, easy-to-clean design also makes them a convenient option for travel and leisure activities. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring a seaside town, Crocs Classic Clogs are a versatile and practical footwear choice.
- LugLife Puddle Jumper SE Backpack. A backpack is a must-have for travel and cruising, and the LugLife Puddle Jumper SE Backpack is an excellent choice. This backpack is designed with numerous pockets both inside and outside, providing ample space to organize everything you need for a day of exploring. The backpack’s water-repellant material helps protect your belongings from unexpected spills or rain. Additionally, the convenient top handle makes it easy to grab and go. With its thoughtful design and functional features, the LugLife Puddle Jumper SE Backpack is a reliable companion for your travel adventures.
What Not to Pack on a Cruise
As you prepare your packing list, keep in mind that many cruise lines have specific bans on certain items for the safety of passengers and crew. While some prohibited items are obvious, such as firearms, fireworks, drones, and hard liquor, others may be less apparent. To ensure compliance, consult your cruise line’s website for a complete list of banned items. In general, here are a few things you cannot bring on a cruise:
- Scissors: While scissors for grooming and medical kits may be allowed, any pair with blades longer than four inches is prohibited.
- CBD Products: Most cruise lines prohibit anything containing cannabidiol (CBD). Avoid packing these items in your day bag or luggage to ensure smooth boarding.
- Heat-Producing Items: Cruise lines are cautious about anything that generates heat. This includes coffee machines, candles, heating pads, and travel steamers. The only acceptable heat-producing items are hair straighteners and curling irons.
- Some Sporting Equipment: Rollerblades, hockey sticks, and pool noodles are not allowed on cruise ships. Scuba diving equipment is also prohibited. If you have booked a scuba excursion, the outfitter will provide the necessary equipment.
By being aware of these restrictions, you can avoid potential issues and enjoy a safe and smooth cruise experience.
Cruise Packing Tips from an Experienced Cruiser
Having been on more than 50 cruises, from ocean liners in the Mediterranean to river boats in Europe, I still find packing for a cruise to be one of the most challenging pre-departure tasks. Fortunately, I’ve developed some top tips to help streamline the process.
- Consider Your Destination and Cruise Duration: Tailor your packing to your destination and the length of your cruise. If you live close to the cruise terminal and don’t have to fly, you may not need to worry as much about weight restrictions. In general, pack at least two outfits for each day—one for excursions and another for dinner and evening events on the ship. Packing fewer clothes and utilizing the ship’s laundry services on sea days can also be an efficient strategy.
- Create Two Packing Lists: To stay organized, make two packing lists for each cruise. The first list includes everything you’ll pack in your suitcase, such as clothing, toiletries, and other essentials. The second list, which is more important, outlines what you need in your embarkation day bag, including passports, medications, a swimsuit, and sunscreen.
- Use Colored Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are great for organizing smaller items such as socks and underwear. Assign different colored packing cubes to each person in your travel party to keep everyone’s belongings separate and maintain an organized cabin. This approach helps share drawer space without mixing up your things.
By following these tips, you can simplify the packing process and enjoy a more organized and stress-free start to your cruise.